New Zealand Rugby Team Performs Traditional Haka Before Rugby World Cup

Rugby is definitely not a sport than can ever be accused of being easy or tame; players don't have the big pads and helmets popular in American football, but they certainly take the same hits. However, even the most hardened players would be a little scared after being treated to this pre-match tradition of New Zealand's All Blacks, the haka.

The haka is a traditional dance of the MÄï¿½ori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. There are various types of haka; peruperu are war haka, like the one performed here, and manawa wera, associated with funerals, are just a few. The most well-known haka is "Ka Mate," a ceremonial haka attributed to Te Rauparaha, the war leader of the NgÄï¿½ti Toa tribe, which is a celebration of life and triumph.